Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Calcium
Calcium
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin
| Test | Calcium |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | Ca, Cal |
| Profile | Bone, Adjusted Calcium |
| Tube type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin |
| Clinical Indication | Measurement of calcium is used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid disease, a variety of bone diseases, chronic renal disease, urolithiasis and tetany. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample type | Serum |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5mL If requesting more than 10 tests please send an additional brown clotted serum sample. |
| Special Precautions | No special requirements |
| Stability | 7 days at 15-25°C and 3 weeks at 2-8°C |
| Turnaround Time | Urgent: 2 hours Inpatient: 4 hours Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours |
| Laboratory | York and Scarborough |
| Reference Interval | Adults: 2.2-2.6 mmol/L (Recommended by Pathology Harmonisation Reference Group) 1 month to 16 years of age: 2.2-2.7 mmol/L <1 month: 2.0-2.7 mmol/L |
| Limitations | Care should be taken when interpreting calcium results from patients who have received gadolinium containing contrast medium within the previous 24 hours, especially if the patient has impaired renal function. These samples should be assayed using a non-colourimetric technique (e.g. ion selective electrode) or the sample should be drawn prior to administration of such contrast media. |
| Notes |
